About
Dr. Carine Van der Merwe is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic in Kelowna, BC, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that her patients receive safe and effective care. Her focus is on promoting healthy growth, development, and well-being through preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and management of common childhood illnesses. The practice environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, fostering a reassuring space for families and young patients.
She graduated with a MB ChB degree from Universiteit Van Stellenbosch in South Africa and holds specialty certification as a Pediatrician. Additionally, she maintains certifications recognized by the College Registration Committee, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in pediatric care. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of pediatric health needs, supported by current evidence-based practices and guidelines.
Dr. Van der Merwe’s clinical philosophy centers on family-centered care, emphasizing collaboration with parents and caregivers to tailor treatment plans that meet each child's unique needs. She believes in preventive health strategies and early intervention, working closely with families to support healthy development through all stages of childhood. Fluent in English and Afrikaans, she strives to communicate effectively and compassionately with diverse families in Kelowna, ensuring that every child receives attentive and personalized care.
Dr. Carine Van der Merwe provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
- Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
- Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
- Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
- Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Carine Van der Merwe.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
- Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- Comprehensive Well-Child Visits (Infancy through Adolescence): Regular check-ups to monitor growth, development, nutrition, and overall health, including physical exams and age-appropriate guidance.
- Mental Health Screening & Initial Support: Basic screening for common pediatric mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) and providing initial support or referrals as needed.
- Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents). Care plans are highly individualized to meet each child's specific health needs. Please discuss with Dr. Van der Merwe or your healthcare team for details relevant to your child's care.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Located in the heart of Kelowna's Central neighborhood, Dr. Van der Merwe's practice is situated within a welcoming pediatric clinic close to South Pandosy Village and Kelowna General Hospital. Families can easily access the clinic via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), which offers convenient public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, with a friendly environment designed to put young patients at ease. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making visits straightforward for families coming from various parts of the city. The practice's location in a family-friendly area ensures that parents and caregivers can feel confident about accessing high-quality pediatric care in a comfortable setting.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Van der Merwe covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. Van der Merwe are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Some specialized tests, procedures, or medications prescribed by a subspecialist may require pre-authorization or might have specific coverage criteria. It's always a good idea to confirm coverage details with Medical Services Plan (MSP) or Dr. Van der Merwe's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Van der Merwe, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Van der Merwe is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Van der Merwe is a pediatric subspecialist (e.g., a Pediatric Cardiologist or Developmental Pediatrician), a referral from your child's family doctor or a general pediatrician is usually required for services to be covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). It's best to check with Dr. Van der Merwe's clinic directly regarding their new patient and referral policies. you may be able to book an appointment directly, especially if the practice is accepting new patients, or for newborn care.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Van der Merwe help?
- Current guidelines generally recommend no screen time for children under 18-24 months (except for video-chatting with family), and limiting high-quality programming to about 1 hour per day for children aged 2-5 years, co-viewed with a parent. For older children and teens, it's important to balance screen time with other healthy activities like physical activity, social interaction, and sleep. Dr. Van der Merwe can discuss these recommendations, help your family create a media use plan, and address concerns about the impact of screen time on your child's health and development.
- When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?
- The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. Van der Merwe will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.
- How does Dr. Van der Merwe help manage chronic health conditions in children?
- For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Van der Merwe plays a key role in ongoing management. This includes regular monitoring, adjusting treatment plans as needed, educating the child and family about the condition, coordinating care with other specialists or therapists, and providing support to help the child live a full and active life. The goal is to optimize health, manage symptoms, and support the child's overall well-being and development.
- How should I manage my child's fever before contacting Dr. Van der Merwe?
- A fever is often a sign that the body is fighting an infection. If your child has a fever but is otherwise comfortable and playful, a specific number on the thermometer isn't always the most important factor. You can help them feel more comfortable by offering fluids, dressing them in light clothing, and ensuring they get rest. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if appropriate for age and no contraindications) can be used to reduce fever and discomfort; always follow dosing instructions. Contact Dr. Van der Merwe's office if your child is under 3 months with any fever, has a very high fever, a fever lasting more than a few days, or if the fever is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, rash, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration.
616 K.L.O. Rd Ste 206
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X4
Phone: (250) 762-4045
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Van der Merwe is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Dr. Van der Merwe may accept new patients directly for general pediatric care or via referral, depending on clinic policy. Please contact the clinic for information on new patient registration and any referral requirements for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/381287/Van%20der%20Merwe%2CCarine